Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks at a shopping center rally August 28, 2003, in Fresno, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2003
Dana Point, California, USA
Arnold Schwarzenegger addresses a meeting of the California Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors on September 5, 2003, in Dana Point, California. (Photo by David McNew)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2003
125 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814, United States
Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks at the California State Railroad Museum on September 18, 2003, in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2003
2917 E Shepherd Ave, Clovis, CA 93619, United States
Arnold Schwarzenegger gives the thumbs-up during a rally at P-R Farms on October 4, 2003, in Clovis, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2003
San Bernardino, California, USA
Arnold Schwarzenegger holds a press conference following his appearance with U.S. President George W. Bush on October 16, 2003, in San Bernardino, California. (Photo by David McNew)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2003
First St SE, Washington, DC 20004, United States
Arnold Schwarzenegger gives a thumbs-up at the conclusion of his speech during his inauguration at the State Capitol on November 17, 2003, in Sacramento, California. Schwarzenegger was sworn in as California's 38th governor. (Photo by Mike Blake-Pool)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2003
Sacramento, California, USA
Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks to reporters during his first news conference as governor November 18, 2003, in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2003
Paso Robles, California, USA
Arnold Schwarzenegger signs an emergency disaster declaration for earthquake victims during a news conference on December 23, 2003, in Paso Robles, California. (Photo by Ana Elisa Fuentes)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2007
Sacramento, California, USA
Arnold Schwarzenegger is sworn into office by Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald George for a second term as Governor on January 5, 2007, in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Brian Baer-Pool)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2007
Arnold Schwarzenegger at his offices in the Capital, March 29, 2007, in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Charles Ommanney)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2010
Sacramento, California, USA
Arnold Schwarzenegger, governor of California, speaks about his budget proposal for the 2010-2011 fiscal year in Sacramento, California, U.S., on Friday, Jan. 8, 2010. (Ken James)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2017
Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris, France
Arnold Schwarzenegger waves as he rides a 'Velib' electric bicycle at Hotel de Ville on December 11, 2017, in Paris, France. (Photo by Marc Piasecki)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
1977
Arnold Schwarzenegger (Photo by Evening Standard)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
1977
Los Angeles, California, USA
Arnold Schwarzenegger out for a run circa 1977 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2010
555 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States
Arnold Schwarzenegger and wife Maria Shriver attend the funeral Mass for Italian film mogul and Hollywood producer Dino De Laurentiis at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on November 15, 2010, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Reed Saxon-Pool)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2011
Los Angeles, California, USA
Arnold Schwarzenegger (L) and Maria Shriver (R) arrive at After-School All-Stars Hoop Heroes Salute launch party at Katsuya on February 18, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2011
Los Angeles, California, USA
Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) and his daughter Katherine attend Trust Your Senses At DVF for Fashion's Night Out on September 8, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2015
Westfield, Ariel Way, White City, London W12 7GF, United Kingdom
Arnold Schwarzenegger attends the Fan Footage Event of 'Terminator Genisys' at Vue Westfield on June 17, 2015, in London, England. (Photo by Ben A. Pruchnie)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2015
961 Broxton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024, United States
Arnold Schwarzenegger (L) and Producer Sylvester Stallone attend the premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures' "Creed" at Regency Village Theatre on November 19, 2015, in Westwood, California. (Photo by Todd Williamson)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2016
Arnold Schwarzenegger - (Photo by Art Streiber)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2017
Cannes, France
Arnold Schwarzenegger attends photocall for 'Wonders of the Sea 3D' during the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival at Nikki Beach on May 20, 2017, in Cannes, France. (Photo by Antony Jones)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2017
10745 Dickson Ct, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
(L-R) Christina Schwarzenegger, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver, and Katherine Schwarzenegger attend the premiere of National Geographic's "The Long Road Home" at Royce Hall on October 30, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2017
55 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, France
Arnold Schwarzenegger arrives for a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron as he receives the One Planet Summit's international leaders at Elysee Palace on December 12, 2017, in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2018
Hollywood, California, USA
Arnold Schwarzenegger attends the 7th Annual Sean Penn & Friends HAITI RISING Gala benefiting J/P Haitian Relief Organization on January 6, 2018, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2018
Austin, Texas, USA
Arnold Schwarzenegger is interviewed for the Politico podcast Off Message during SXSW Interactive on March 11, 2018, in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jim Bennett)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2018
3 Boathouse Dr, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
Arnold Schwarzenegger prepares to start the Run for the Kids charity run as part of the Arnold Sports Festival Australia at the Alexandra Gardens on March 18, 2018, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2019
Melbourne, Australia
Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks during a press conference on March 15, 2019, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2019
3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton attend CinemaCon 2019 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace during CinemaCon, the official convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners, on April 4, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodrigue)
Gallery of Arnold Schwarzenegger
2019
3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States
Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks onstage at CinemaCon 2019 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace during CinemaCon, the official convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners, on April 4, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer)
Achievements
Lanewood Ave &, N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States
Arnold Schwarzenegger received a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Membership
Awards
Golden Globe Award
1977
9876 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, United States
Arnold Schwarzenegger posing with his award for Most Promising Newcomer to Films for the film, "Stay Hungry," at the Golden Globe Awards, Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, California, January 30, 1977. (Photo by Frank Edwards)
Taurus World Stunt Award
2001
5515 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, United States
Arnold Schwarzenegger presents the Taurus Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award onstage during the 3rd Annual Taurus World Stunt Awards at Paramount Studios June 1, 2001, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Robert Mora)
Goldene Kamera Award
2015
Hamburg, Germany
Arnold Schwarzenegger attends the Goldene Kamera 2015 show on February 27, 2015, in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug)
Bambi Award
2017
Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 1, 10785 Berlin, Germany
Arnold Schwarzenegger with the award during the Bambi Awards 2017 winners board at Stage Theater on November 16, 2017, in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Gisela Schober)
9876 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, United States
Arnold Schwarzenegger posing with his award for Most Promising Newcomer to Films for the film, "Stay Hungry," at the Golden Globe Awards, Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, California, January 30, 1977. (Photo by Frank Edwards)
5515 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, United States
Arnold Schwarzenegger presents the Taurus Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award onstage during the 3rd Annual Taurus World Stunt Awards at Paramount Studios June 1, 2001, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Robert Mora)
Arnold Schwarzenegger addresses a meeting of the California Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors on September 5, 2003, in Dana Point, California. (Photo by David McNew)
Arnold Schwarzenegger holds a press conference following his appearance with U.S. President George W. Bush on October 16, 2003, in San Bernardino, California. (Photo by David McNew)
Arnold Schwarzenegger gives a thumbs-up at the conclusion of his speech during his inauguration at the State Capitol on November 17, 2003, in Sacramento, California. Schwarzenegger was sworn in as California's 38th governor. (Photo by Mike Blake-Pool)
Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks to reporters during his first news conference as governor November 18, 2003, in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan)
Arnold Schwarzenegger signs an emergency disaster declaration for earthquake victims during a news conference on December 23, 2003, in Paso Robles, California. (Photo by Ana Elisa Fuentes)
Arnold Schwarzenegger is sworn into office by Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald George for a second term as Governor on January 5, 2007, in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Brian Baer-Pool)
555 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States
Arnold Schwarzenegger and wife Maria Shriver attend the funeral Mass for Italian film mogul and Hollywood producer Dino De Laurentiis at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on November 15, 2010, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Reed Saxon-Pool)
Arnold Schwarzenegger, governor of California, speaks about his budget proposal for the 2010-2011 fiscal year in Sacramento, California, U.S., on Friday, Jan. 8, 2010. (Ken James)
Arnold Schwarzenegger (L) and Maria Shriver (R) arrive at After-School All-Stars Hoop Heroes Salute launch party at Katsuya on February 18, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren)
Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) and his daughter Katherine attend Trust Your Senses At DVF for Fashion's Night Out on September 8, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards)
Westfield, Ariel Way, White City, London W12 7GF, United Kingdom
Arnold Schwarzenegger attends the Fan Footage Event of 'Terminator Genisys' at Vue Westfield on June 17, 2015, in London, England. (Photo by Ben A. Pruchnie)
961 Broxton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024, United States
Arnold Schwarzenegger (L) and Producer Sylvester Stallone attend the premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures' "Creed" at Regency Village Theatre on November 19, 2015, in Westwood, California. (Photo by Todd Williamson)
Arnold Schwarzenegger with the award during the Bambi Awards 2017 winners board at Stage Theater on November 16, 2017, in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Gisela Schober)
Arnold Schwarzenegger attends photocall for 'Wonders of the Sea 3D' during the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival at Nikki Beach on May 20, 2017, in Cannes, France. (Photo by Antony Jones)
10745 Dickson Ct, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
(L-R) Christina Schwarzenegger, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver, and Katherine Schwarzenegger attend the premiere of National Geographic's "The Long Road Home" at Royce Hall on October 30, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre)
55 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, France
Arnold Schwarzenegger arrives for a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron as he receives the One Planet Summit's international leaders at Elysee Palace on December 12, 2017, in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier)
Arnold Schwarzenegger attends the 7th Annual Sean Penn & Friends HAITI RISING Gala benefiting J/P Haitian Relief Organization on January 6, 2018, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac)
Arnold Schwarzenegger is interviewed for the Politico podcast Off Message during SXSW Interactive on March 11, 2018, in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jim Bennett)
Arnold Schwarzenegger prepares to start the Run for the Kids charity run as part of the Arnold Sports Festival Australia at the Alexandra Gardens on March 18, 2018, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone)
3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton attend CinemaCon 2019 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace during CinemaCon, the official convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners, on April 4, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodrigue)
3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States
Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks onstage at CinemaCon 2019 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace during CinemaCon, the official convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners, on April 4, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer)
(Five-time Mr. Universe, seven-time Mr. Olympia, and Mr. W...)
Five-time Mr. Universe, seven-time Mr. Olympia, and Mr. World, Arnold Schwarzenegger is the name in bodybuilding. Here is his classic bestselling autobiography, which explains how the “Austrian Oak” came to the sport of bodybuilding and aspired to be the star he has become.
(From elite bodybuilding competitors to gymnasts, from gol...)
From elite bodybuilding competitors to gymnasts, from golfers to fitness gurus, anyone who works out with weights must own this book - a book that only Arnold Schwarzenegger could write, a book that has earned its reputation as “the bible of bodybuilding.”
(Under the inimitable direction of Robert Altman, Elliot G...)
Under the inimitable direction of Robert Altman, Elliot Gould stars as the laid-back, legendary private eye Philip Marlowe investigating a mysterious murder.
(Jeff Bridges and Sally Field star in this quirky, sensiti...)
Jeff Bridges and Sally Field star in this quirky, sensitive drama about a wealthy Southern bachelor who learns that money and charm have their limitations.
(In 1977, an independent documentary movie shone a light o...)
In 1977, an independent documentary movie shone a light on the world of bodybuilding, becoming a huge box office hit and creating an international sensation. It launched one man's multi-million dollar career and changed the world of bodybuilding and physical exercise forever.
(It s a mad, mad mob of maniacs in a wild and hilarious $2...)
It s a mad, mad mob of maniacs in a wild and hilarious $200,000,000 winner-takes-all Scavenger Hunt. The nutty and newly-departed millionaire s will was specific: his fifteen would-be heirs are to participate in a highly-unusual Scavenger Hunt and whoever finds all the items first, wins his entire estate.
(Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as the Cimmerian Conan who se...)
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as the Cimmerian Conan who sets out with his companions to learn the "riddle of steel, " which will give him ultimate power and kill the arch-villain Thulsa Doom.
(Arnold Schwarzenegger returns for further action-packed a...)
Arnold Schwarzenegger returns for further action-packed adventures of the warrior king, who now is asked by the evil Queen to accompany a beautiful young princess and find a magic treasure.
(A cyborg (part man, part machine) is sent from the 21st c...)
A cyborg (part man, part machine) is sent from the 21st century to present-day Los Angeles to assassinate a seemingly innocent woman whose child will play an essential part in the world from which the killer came.
(In this early action classic that features his unique ble...)
In this early action classic that features his unique blend of thrills and offbeat humor, Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Col. John Matrix, ultimate soldier and one-man army. Matrix, the former leader of a special commando strike force that always got the toughest jobs done, is forced back into action when his young daughter (Alyssa Milano) is kidnapped.
(Dismissed some time ago from the FBI, Mark Kaminsky is co...)
Dismissed some time ago from the FBI, Mark Kaminsky is contacted by his old boss, Shannon, whose son has been murdered. Determined to find the assassin, Shannon needs Kaminsky's help and offers to re-instate him if he is successful.
(A Moscow cop is sent to Chicago to pick up a Soviet narco...)
A Moscow cop is sent to Chicago to pick up a Soviet narcotics mobster but when the criminal escapes, the Soviet cop teams up with an American to hunt down the criminal.
(Superstars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito team up...)
Superstars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito team up for twice the laughs in this hilarious box-office blockbuster from director Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters). An ambitious genetic experiment takes the wrong turn when two twins - who look nothing alike - are born and then separated.
(An advertisement, Call Rekall, where we make the impossib...)
An advertisement, Call Rekall, where we make the impossible possible, draws Doug Quaid into a vacation parlor. Here, fantasies are artificially implanted in the minds of those who desire to turn their dreams into reality.
(A macho cop, adept at dealing with crooks on the street, ...)
A macho cop, adept at dealing with crooks on the street, goes undercover as a teacher and meets the toughest gang he has ever encountered - a room full of five-year-olds!
(The non-human machine ruling elite of the nuclear war-tor...)
The non-human machine ruling elite of the nuclear war-torn future has dispatched a cyborg assassin into the past to kill a young boy because he soon will be the resistance leader against the machines.
(An elite federal marshal known as the "Eraser" guarantees...)
An elite federal marshal known as the "Eraser" guarantees the safety of valuable informers by erasing their identities, relocating them and protecting them from exposure.
(George Clooney stars as the mysterious caped crusader in ...)
George Clooney stars as the mysterious caped crusader in this fourth installment of the blockbuster "Batman" saga. This time he's up against the cold-blooded Mr. Freeze.
(In the not-too-distant future when cloning plants, pets, ...)
In the not-too-distant future when cloning plants, pets, and human organs is accepted, a sinister corporation has begun illegally duplicating entire human beings. They mistakenly clone the wrong man; a man who is now the only one with the power to expose their evil. They desperately want to kill him, but he will do anything to reclaim his family and life.
(John Connor must face a female Terminatrix with power ove...)
John Connor must face a female Terminatrix with power over all the machines. But a new T-800 unit Terminator sent back through time will guide him through the coming battle.
(The Rock teams up with Seann William Scott for a wildly e...)
The Rock teams up with Seann William Scott for a wildly entertaining action-adventure that Good Morning America's Joel Siegel raves is "One of the year's biggest, most fun movies!" Beck (The Rock) is a bounty hunter sent into the treacherous jungles of the Amazon to bring the rebellious Travis (Seann William Scott) back to the States.
(Based on the classic novel by Jules Verne about an advent...)
Based on the classic novel by Jules Verne about an adventurer, Passepartout who ends up accompanying time-obsessed English gentleman, Phileas Fogg on a daring mission to journey around the world.
(Sylvester Stallone stars as Barney Ross, leader of The Ex...)
Sylvester Stallone stars as Barney Ross, leader of The Expendables, a tight-knit team of skilled combat vets turned mercenaries. Hired by a powerful covert operator, the team jets off to a small South American country to overthrow a ruthless dictator.
(Schwarzenegger stars as the Sheriff of a sleepy border to...)
Schwarzenegger stars as the Sheriff of a sleepy border town who becomes the center of attention when a drug lord escapes the FBI and heads toward Mexico, straight through his territory.
(One of the world's foremost authorities on structural sec...)
One of the world's foremost authorities on structural security agrees to take on one last job: breaking out of an ultra-secret, high-tech facility called "The Tomb."
(When a DEA task force leader (Arnold Schwarzenegger) raid...)
When a DEA task force leader (Arnold Schwarzenegger) raids a cartel safe house and $10 million ends up stolen, someone starts to kill his team - and everyone is a suspect.
(In "The Expendables 3", Barney (Stallone), Christmas (Sta...)
In "The Expendables 3", Barney (Stallone), Christmas (Statham) and the rest of the team come face-to-face with Conrad Stonebanks (Gibson), who years ago co-founded The Expendables with Barney. Stonebanks subsequently became a ruthless arms trader and someone who Barney was forced to kill... or so he thought.
(When a deadly zombie virus sweeps the nation, a father wi...)
When a deadly zombie virus sweeps the nation, a father will stop at nothing to save his infected daughter in this post-apocalyptic thriller starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Abigail Breslin.
(An explosive new chapter of the blockbuster Terminator fr...)
An explosive new chapter of the blockbuster Terminator franchise. In the war of man against machine, Kyle Reese is sent back to 1984 by resistance leader John Connor to protect his young mother, Sarah Connor. However, this time unexpected events have altered the past and threaten the future for all mankind.
(A man's life is changed forever after losing his family i...)
A man's life is changed forever after losing his family in a plane crash. He attempts to move on but soon finds that he cannot face life without confronting the man responsible.
(A group of up-and-coming but dysfunctional assassins try ...)
A group of up-and-coming but dysfunctional assassins try to advance their careers by attempting to murder Gunther (Arnold Schwarzenegger), the most infamous hitman of all time, in this hilarious cat-and-mouse comedy of would-be killers.
(Linda Hamilton ("Sarah Connor") and Arnold Schwarzenegger...)
Linda Hamilton ("Sarah Connor") and Arnold Schwarzenegger ("T-800") return in their iconic roles in Terminator: Dark Fate, directed by Tim Miller (Deadpool) and produced by visionary filmmaker James Cameron and David Ellison.
(This groundbreaking documentary event series explores the...)
This groundbreaking documentary event series explores the human impact of climate change. From the damage wrought by Hurricane Sandy to the upheaval caused by drought in the Middle East, Years of Living Dangerously combines blockbuster storytelling with the reporting expertise of Hollywood's brightest stars and today's most respected journalists.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American politician, actor, filmmaker, businessman, author, and former professional bodybuilder. Initially known as a bodybuilder, he found his way into films in the 1970s. In 1982, he began a new career as an action film icon when he starred in the title role in Conan the Barbarian. However, the role he may be best known for is his starring role in The Terminator franchise.
Background
Arnold Schwarzenegger was born on July 30, 1947, in Thal, Styria, Austria, to Gustav Schwarzenegger who was an Austrian Police chief and Aurelia (Jadrný) Schwarzenegger. Gustav had served in World War II as a Hauptfeldwebel, and was wounded in the Battle of Stalingrad, but was discharged in 1943 following a bout of malaria.
The Schwarzenegger home was a humble one. In fact, they did not have indoor plumbing until Arnold was a teenager. This was not uncommon at the time, however, since families all over Europe were just beginning to recover from the effects of World War II (1939-1945).
Schwarzenegger's childhood was far from ideal. His father, Gustav, was an alcoholic police chief and one-time member of the Nazi Party, who clearly favored Arnold's brother over his gangly, seemingly less athletic younger son, Meinhard. Both Arnold and Meinhard were required to get up before sunrise to tend to their chores. After chores came a rigorous exercise routine, followed by breakfast. Gustav also instilled a love of sports in his sons. Despite this barrier between his father and him, Schwarzenegger was very close with his mother.
Gustav is reported to have beaten and intimidated Arnold and, when he could, pitted his two boys against one another. He also ridiculed Schwarzenegger's early dreams of becoming a bodybuilder. This was against both the wishes of his parents-his father wished for him to become a police officer, and his mother was hoping that he would go to trade school. Yet, Schwarzenegger was inspired by the sport and believed he could be successful at it. In fact, Schwarzenegger was so dedicated to it that he would break into the gyms when they were closed on weekends because he didn't want to miss a workout. "It was a very uptight feeling at home," Schwarzenegger later recalled. So uptight and uncomfortable, in fact, that Schwarzenegger would later refuse to attend the funeral of his father, who died in 1972, or his brother, who was killed in a car crash in 1971.
Arnold took a keen interest in physical fitness and bodybuilding, going on to compete in several minor contests in Europe. However, it was when he emigrated to the United States in 1968. He became a naturalized United States citizen in 1983.
Education
At school, Schwarzenegger was reportedly academically average. He also attended Santa Monica College in California and then enrolled in the University of Wisconsin-Superior as a distance education student. In May 1980, he formally graduated and received his bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing.
Arnold Schwarzenegger pursued weightlifting and bodybuilding with a passion. He trained for hours a day, both at a local gym and at home where he set up a training area in a room that had no heat. He also studied anatomy and nutrition to understand how to become physically fit. His parents worried that he was obsessed with training, but Schwarzenegger had his eyes on a goal; that goal was to leave his little village behind and become a success in America.
In 1965, Schwarzenegger joined the Austrian army. At the time, there was a requirement for one year of service in the army for all eighteen-year-old Austrian males. During this year, Schwarzenegger left the army during basic training to participate in the Junior Mr. Europe contest of 1965. He won this contest, and thus did not regret the consequence of army jail for a week that followed.
After this contest, he was voted the best-built man of Europe. This is what ultimately made him famous. Because of his win, he was able to attend the NABBA Mr. Universe contest in London. Although he didn't win the contest, he placed second.
After he placed second, one of the judges took notice of Schwarzenegger and offered to train him. Although Schwarzenegger couldn't afford to move into an apartment in England, the judge offered Schwarzenegger a place at his house. Additionally, he focused on improving his leg definition, which was the main reason why he lost the NABBA competition. In 1967, Schwarzenegger clinched first place. He was the youngest Mr. Universe ever. Then, after scooping the Mr. Olympia accolade on no fewer than six occasions, he turned his attention to pursuing the American dream. Arriving in the United States in 1968 with $20 in his pocket, he got off to an inauspicious start.
Although he spoke a little English, he was far from fluent. However, he wanted to become an actor. He trained at a gym in California and became good friends with some individuals throughout Hollywood. He continued competing in bodybuilding contests and won the Mr. Olympia title in New York seven different times.
Schwarzenegger's ultimate dream was to become an actor. He worked on improving his English with a tutor, but his accent was still a barrier in the auditions. However, he finally got his big break when he was chosen to play Hercules for the movie, Hercules in New York. He wasn't even credited by his own name in the movie, and instead was credited as "Arnold Strong." Thus, his acting career began.
With his ascension to the top of the bodybuilding world, it was only a matter of time before Schwarzenegger would move over to the big screen. After a few small parts, Schwarzenegger received a Golden Globe Award for Best Newcomer for his performance in Stay Hungry (1976).
With his immense physical strength and size, Schwarzenegger was a natural for action films. He became a leading figure in several popular 1980s action movies, including Conan the Barbarian (1982) and its sequel, Conan the Destroyer (1984). Schwarzenegger also starred as a deadly machine from the future in The Terminator (1984), and later reprised the role for Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003).
Additional action flicks from the actor's heyday include Commando (1985), Predator (1987), The Running Man (1987), Total Recall (1990) and True Lies (1994). He also used his oversized physique to comedic effect in Twins (1988) and Kindergarten Cop (1990).
In 2003, Schwarzenegger again showed his resolve to succeed when he threw his hat into the ring for the California governor's race and won a seat in a special election. In a state that was mired in severe budget woes, the newly elected Republican governor promised to bring economic stability to his adopted state.
As expected, Schwarzenegger brought his own unique brand of confidence to his new job. "If they don't have the guts, I call them 'girlie-men,'" he said of Democrats, early in his first term. "They should go back to the table and fix the budget."
Still, as governor, Schwarzenegger worked to improve the state's financial situation, promote new businesses and protect the environment. In 2006, he easily won his bid for re-election. Throughout his political career, Schwarzenegger credited former U.S. President Ronald Reagan as a personal inspiration. Remembering his early years in the United States, Schwarzenegger once said, "I became a citizen of the United States when [Reagan] was president, and he is the first president I voted for as an American citizen. He inspired me and made me even prouder to be a new American."
His second term in office did not run as smoothly, however, as Schwarzenegger struggled to help the state through difficult financial times. After leaving office in January 2011, he sought to revive his career in the entertainment industry. In March of that year, Schwarzenegger announced plans to work with famed comic book creator Stan Lee on a new animated series inspired by his time in office.
In 2010, Schwarzenegger appeared alongside Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, and Bruce Willis in the ensemble action film The Expendables. In August 2012, he reunited with the cast for The Expendables 2. Just one week after the film's premiere, it had climbed to the No. 1 spot at the box office, bringing in nearly $28.6 million.
Continuing with his acting career, Schwarzenegger rejoined Stallone for The Expendables 3 in 2014. The following year he returned to the film franchise that made him a star with Terminator Genisys.
Schwarzenegger's autobiography, Total Recall, was released in October 2012. He devotes one chapter called "The Secret" to his extramarital affair. The majority of his book is about his successes in the three major chapters in his life: bodybuilder, actor, and Governor of California.
In January 2017, Schwarzenegger replaced incoming president Donald Trump as host of NBC's reality show The New Celebrity Apprentice, produced by Mark Burnett. However, the show stumbled to low ratings and within a few months, the actor announced that he would not return.
That year Schwarzenegger revealed that he was involved with new Terminator film in the works. It was later announced that Terminator: Dark Fate would debut in October 2019.
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2014
Religion
Arnold Schwarzenegger grew up in a Catholic family who attended Mass every Sunday. He once stated: "I am a Catholic and a very dedicated Catholic."
Politics
In 2003, Schwarzenegger became the 38th Governor of the State of California in a historic recall election, and as governor ushered in an era of innovative leadership and extraordinary public service. Schwarzenegger's most notable accomplishments while governor include the nation-leading Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 - a bipartisan agreement to combat global warming by reducing California's greenhouse gas emissions - and overhauling the state's workers' compensation system - cutting costs by more than 35 percent. In addition, Schwarzenegger was the first governor in decades to make major investments in improving California's aging infrastructure through his Strategic Growth Plan, helping to reduce congestion and clean the air. He established the Hydrogen Highway and Million Solar Roofs Plan, continuing his leadership in creating a greener environment. In November 2009, more than three years of leadership by Governor Schwarzenegger culminated with the passage of the Safe, Clean and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2010.
As governor, he was California's most effective marketing tool, traveling across the country and around the world promoting California-grown products, cutting-edge technologies, and the state's diverse travel destinations. In addition, using his background as an internationally recognized athlete, Schwarzenegger made restoring health and fitness a top priority. He signed legislation making the state's school nutrition standards the most progressive in the nation and continues to promote healthy habits by taking harmful trans fats out of California restaurants and ensuring nutritional information is available to diners. To improve classrooms across the state and ensure that all California’s students have access to the world-class education they need to grow, thrive and succeed, Schwarzenegger led the reform to make California competitive for up to $700 million in federal Race to the Top funds.
In recognition of these efforts, Schwarzenegger has been rewarded for his great leadership and vision many times over in many areas, including the Simon Wiesenthal Center's "National Leadership Award" and the American Council On Renewable Energy’s “Renewable Energy Leader of the Decade.”
But it is Schwarzenegger’s commitment to giving something back to his state and to his country through public service that gives him the most satisfaction; donating his time, energy, and personal finances to serving others all over the world. Schwarzenegger acts as Chairman of the After School All-Stars, a nationwide after-school program, and serves as coach and international torchbearer for Special Olympics. He also served as Chairman of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under George H. W. Bush and as Chair of the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under Governor Pete Wilson.
His political reform campaign has grown exponentially since he left the Governor’s office to litigation and lobbying around the country to help end gerrymandering once and for all.
For the 2016 Republican Party presidential primaries, Schwarzenegger endorsed fellow Republican John Kasich. However, he announced in October that he would not vote for the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in that year's United States presidential election, with this being the first time he did not vote for the Republican candidate since becoming a citizen in 1983.
In 2017, Schwarzenegger condemned white supremacists who were seen carrying Nazi and Confederate flags, by calling their heroes as "losers."
Views
Since leaving office, Schwarzenegger co-founded the R20 Regions of Climate Action, a global non-profit dedicated to helping subnational governments develop, implement, and communicate the importance of low-carbon and climate-resilient projects as well as their economic benefits. In December 2012, he was recognized as a 2012 Global Advocate by the United Nations Correspondents Association for his work with the organization.
In August 2012, the University of Southern California Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy launched to provide students an opportunity to focus on the responsibility of leaders to transcend partisanship in order to implement policies that most benefit the people they serve. Its five priority areas of focus are education, energy and environment, fiscal and economic policy, health and human wellness, and political reform.
Quotations:
"I am a patriotic American. I saw Ronald Reagan and George Bush take an economy that looked like Pee-wee Herman and make it look like Superman."
"Starting with something disarming and funny is a good way to stand out. You become more likable, and people receive your information much better. Whenever I watched a comedy, I always thought "I could have done that!" But if I was going to branch into comedies, I would need someone to be my cheerleader."
"Meeting comedians helped me to understand comedy. I really liked being around people who are funny."
"Everything in life has a funny side. I'd always been the perfect target for jokes; there was so much material to work from."
"You should marry when you're set financially and the toughest struggles of your career are behind you. Most marriages break up over financial issues."
"I always believed in shooting for the top, and to become an American is like becoming a member of the winning team."
"I was amazed to see how negative most of the people in Hollywood remained toward Reagan during his presidency. He represented the values that had brought me to America. The US was the greatest country with the best opportunities and now that it was my home, I wanted to keep it that way and make it even better. After the turmoil and gloom of the 1970s, Americans voted for Reagan because he reminded them of their strength."
"I wanted to promote bodybuilding, both so that more people would take part and to benefit my career. If I wanted to promote bodybuilding to a new audience, I'd have to find my own way."
"Nights without sleep don't mean you can't perform at a high level the next day and days without food don't mean you'll starve."
Personality
Although he was always athletic, Schwarzenegger wasn’t immediately drawn to weightlifting. Arnold got his start in sports by playing soccer, mostly to try and impress his overbearing father. According to him, he was in shape, but pretty skinny.
Arnold’s soccer coach took him and his team to do some weight training at a local gym when Arnold was 14 or 15. From that moment on, Schwarzenegger was hooked. He gave up soccer and began pursuing a career as a professional bodybuilder.
Schwarzenegger became so obsessed with working out and sculpting a bodybuilder’s physique that he made sure he lifted every single day. Unfortunately, his local gym wasn’t open on the weekends, but he didn’t let that stop him. Arnold would actually break into the gym when it was closed, just so he could get in his crucial Saturday and Sunday workouts. He trained this way for several years as a young teenager before he finally went pro, officially beginning his career as a competitive bodybuilder at age 17.
Schwarzenegger used to suffer from anxiety. Luckily, the actor found a way to manage it through transcendental meditation. This form of meditation involves sitting quietly and repeating a sound, called a mantra, for 15-20 minutes, twice a day. According to Schwarzenegger, anxiety used to be a dominating force in his life. He says mediation helps him sort through things and deal with them in a logical and healthy way, as opposed to all at once in a huge chaotic storm.
Physical Characteristics:
Schwarzenegger endured a health scare while undergoing surgery for a catheter valve replacement at a Los Angeles hospital in March 2018. The valve replacement failed, resulting in emergency open-heart surgery that proved successful. According to his spokesman, Schwarzenegger was soon in stable condition, reportedly waking up with the words "I'm back," in a nod to his famous Terminator character.
Interests
scuba diving
Politicians
Ronald Reagan
Writers
Free to Choose: A Personal Statement by Milton and Rose Friedman
Artists
Gottfried Helnwein
Sport & Clubs
soccer, Bayern Munich, Sturm Graz
Athletes
Jürgen Klopp
Music & Bands
Rock and Roll
Connections
Arnold Schwarzenegger met a young journalist, Maria Shriver, who was 9 years younger than him at a tennis tournament, devoted to late Robert Kennedy (and Maria was his niece). Arnold and Maria started dating, although the famous actor and bodybuilder had love affairs with other women at the same time. The couple got married nine years later in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Oprah Winfrey was one of the guests at their wedding.
Maria and Arnold seemed to be very happy. They gave a birth to four children, two daughters Katherine (was born on 13th of December, 1989) and Christina (was born on the 23rd of July, 1991), and two sons, Patrick (was born on the 18th of December, 1993) and Christopher (was born on 27th of September, 1997).
But in 2011 the couple split because Arnold Schwarzenegger had a love affair with their housekeeper Patty and she gave birth to Arnold’s child Joseph on the 2nd of October, 1997.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver separated in 2011. Maria filed for divorce, but the process is still not finished, so the couple is just separated and not divorced. Arnold apologized in public numerous times and begged Maria to forgive him. As of July 2015, Schwarzenegger was dating physical therapist Heather Milligan, 27 years his junior.
Governor of California
Doctor of Laws
Doctor of Humane Letters
Doctor of Humane Letters
Commander of the French Legion of Honor
Mr. Universe
Mr. Olympia